AU750478B2 - Lifting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a lifting device, particularly for lifting a motorcycle or similar vehicle. The apparatus comprises a base member adapted to support the apparatus on a level surface, a support beam extending laterally from the base member, a lifting column attached to the far end of the support beam and projecting vertically from the support beam. The lifting apparatus is in engagement with the lifting column, and is adapted to be raised and lowered along the column. The lifting apparatus is configured with detachable mountings for engaging a motorcycle or similar vehicle as well as a mechanism for supporting the motorcycle's kick stand.

Description

UU4U53479 LIFTING DEVICE This invention relates to a lifting device and particularly (though not exclusively) to a lifting device for use in connection with a motor-cycle or similar vehicle.

The present invention therefore provides a lifting device for use in connection with a motor cycle or similar vehicle, the device comprising a base member, adapted in use to support the device on a substantially level surface, a support beam extending laterally from the base member, a lifting column attached to the distal end of the support beam and extending substantially perpendicularly upwardly therefrom, together with a lifting assembly in operative engagement with the lifting column, the lifting assembly being adapted to be raised and lowered along the axis of the lifting column, in which the lifting assembly comprises a first beam extending substantially at 900 from the lifting column and in a plane substantially parallel to that of the base member, together with a second beam attached to the distal end of the first beam and extending substantially at 900 on either side of the first beam, the ,second beam also being in a plane substantially parallel to that of the baser member, and being adapted to support the motor cycle or similar vehicle beneath its engine area, the device further comprising means adapted in use to engage the side-stand of the motor cycle or similar vehicle.

Suitably, the base-member is of a substantially "H"-shaped configuration.

Preferably, the centre-rail of the is of larger overall dimension than the side- '6 rails of the For example, means may be provided which are adapted, in use, to engage and support the wheels and/or tyres of a motor-cycle or similar vehicle.

Alternatively, means may be provided which are adapted, in use, to engage the rear suspension of a motor-cycle or similar vehicle and to support the vehicle from beneath the engine area.

004053479 2 Again alternatively, means may be provided which are adapted, in use, to engage the rear swing-arm and front forks of a motor-cycle or similar vehicle.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means to engage and support the side-stand of a motor-cycle or similar vehicle may, for example, include a bracket-and-clamp assembly. The foot of the vehicle's own side-stand engages the bracket and is secured thereto by means of, say, a C-bolt and associated cap-screw. Preferably, the bracket-and-clamp assembly is pivotally attached to the lifting-means (for example, to the support-beam associated with the lifting-column) and is capable of being moved through 3600 about its point of attachment.

Preferably, with reference to the lifting assembly, the beam adapted, in use, to support the vehicle may be of hollow construction and adapted to receive one or more sets of mountings on which the vehicle is supported. For instance, mountings can be provided which support the vehicle at points beneath its chassis. Alternatively, mountings can be provided which support the vehicle at the base of the wheels or tyres.

.ol WO 99/48799 PCT/GB99/00870 3 In a further embodiment of the present invention, the mountings are adapted for longitudinal and/or lateral movement relative to the beam.

In a yet further embodiment, the beam which is adapted, in use, to support the vehicle is provided with beam brackets, each bracket extending at substantially 90' to the longitudinal axis of the beam and being adapted, in use, to support vehicles such as custom vehicles, offroad bicycles or tricycles and four-wheeled "all-terrain" vehicles. One or more of the brackets may be provided with additional means (such as hook-bolts or the like) for further securing the vehicle before lifting.

Again, each bracket can be adapted for movement relative to the beam.

The lifting-assembly may suitably be raised and lowered on the liftingcolumn by means of a threaded shaft a trapezoidal screw-shaft) in association with a lifting nut acting on the lifting-beam. The shaft may be rotated by means of a drive-nut or the like. Rotation of the drive-nut can be achieved by mechanical means such as a crank-handle. Alternatively, the drive-nut can be rotated by means of a motor. Locking means such as a security-bolt may be provided to engage the lifting-beam so that the device can be locked in the raised position for added security.

In addition, provision can be made for adjusting the angle of the liftingcolumn relative to the ground or other surface, to compensate for any unevenness in the surface on which the lifting-device is to stand.

Thus, the present invention provides a secure, stable and versatile lifting device which is capable of lifting vehicles, especially motor-cycles and the like, to facilitate maintenance and repair work. The device according to the present invention can be readily portable and can be used on any relatively firm surface.

WO 99/48799 PCT/GB99/00870 4 The present invention will be illustrated, merely by way of example, in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings (wherein like numerals denote like parts): Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lifting device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1, including two alternative support means for a motor cycle or similar vehicle; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the support for a cycle side-stand shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a view in the direction of arrow A in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a part view of the lifting means of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further support means to be used in connection with the device shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 7 is a perspective view of yet a further support means to be used in connection with the device shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a lifting device according to the present invention comprises a generally H-shaped base 10 having side-rails 11 and 12 and a centre-rail 13. Preferably, the centre-rail 13 is of larger overall dimension than the side-rails 11 and 12.

WO 99/48799 PCT/GB99/00870 The base 10 is supported on a support-beam 14 which extends at 90* from the centre of rail 13. The support-beam is attached, at its end remote from the base 10, to a vertical lifting-column 15 operatively associated with a lifting-beam 16. The lifting-beam is provided with rollers 17 (only one shown) to maintain contact with the lifting-beam 15 and to provide stability when the device is in use. A bracket 18 adapted, in use, to support a motor-cycle under its side-stand, is attached to the lifting-beam 16 and is provided with securing means comprising a C-clamp 19 and capscrew 20 (see Figure Means operable by way of a drive-nut 21 are provided to raise and lower the lifting-beam 16 on the lifting-column A generally T-shaped lifting assembly, which in use supports the weight of a vehicle to be lifted, comprises a first beam 22 and a second beam 23, the second beam 23 being attached to and supported on the liftingbeam 16.

The beam 22 is of hollow rectangular section and is adapted to receive front and rear mountings, 24 and 25 respectively, whereby a vehicle to be lifted can be supported under its chassis. Alternatively, mountings 26 and 27 can be received in beam 22, these mountings being adapted in use to support a vehicle to be lifted at the base of its wheels or tyres. The general location of the wheels or tyres is shown in Figure 2 by "footprints" 28 and 29.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the bracket 18, attached by means of adjuster-bolt 30 to the lifting-beam 16, supports a motor-cycle or similar vehicle under the vehicle's own side-stand 31. The foot 32 of the sidestand is supported on bracket 18 and is secured against movement by means of C-clamp 19 and associated cap-screw 20, as well as by means ol hook-bolt 33.

WO 99/48799 PCT/GB99/00870 6 With reference to Figure 5, the lifting-beam 16 is raised and lowered on the column 15 by means of a screw-shaft 34 acting on lifting-nut 35, the screw-shaft being rotated by rotation of the drive-nut 21. Drive-nut 21 can be rotated manually by means of a crank-handle or the like).

Alternatively, drive-nut 21 can be rotated by means of a motor. Locking means (for example a security-bolt) may be provided to secure the device in a raised position, the locking means being adapted to engage the liftingbeam through bolt-holes 36 and 37.

In Figure 6, there is shown a further embodiment of the lifting device of the present invention, wherein mountings 24 and 25 are adapted for movement relative to the beam 22, as shown by arrows XX and YY.

In a still further embodiment, shown in Figure 7, of the lifting device of the present invention, the beam 22 is provided with beam-brackets 38 and 39, by means of which custom vehicles, off-road bicycles or tricycles and four-wheeled "all-terrain" vehicles can be lifted. Bracket 38 is provided with additional hook-bolts 40 and 41 for further securing the vehicle before lifting. The brackets 38 and 39 are adapted for movement relative to the beam 22, as shown by arrows ZZ.

Claims (8)

1. A lifting device for use in connection with a motor cycle or similar vehicle, the device comprising a base member, adapted in use to support the device on a substantially level surface, a support beam extending laterally from the base member, a lifting column attached to the distal end of the support beam and extending substantially perpendicularly upwardly therefrom, together with a lifting assembly in operative engagement with the lifting column, the lifting assembly being adapted to be raised and lowered along the axis of the lifting column, in which the lifting assembly comprises a first beam extending substantially at 900 from the lifting column and in a plane substantially parallel to that of the base member, together with a second beam attached to the distal end of the first beam and extending substantially at 900 on either side of the first beam, the 15 second beam also being in a plane substantially parallel to that of the base member, and being adapted to support the motor cycle or similar vehicle beneath its engine area, the device further comprising means adapted in use to engage the side-stand of the motor cycle or similar vehicle.

2. A device according to Claim 1, in which the base member is of substantially "H"-shaped configuration.

3. A device according to Claim 2, in which the central rail of the "H" is of larger overall dimension than the side rails of the S4. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the lifting assembly further comprises means adapted in use to engage the wheels and/or tyres of the motor cycle or similar vehicle. 8 A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the lifting assembly further comprises means adapted in use to engage the rear suspension of the motor cycle or similar device.

6. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the lifting assembly further comprises means adapted in use to engage the rear swing-arm and front forks of the motor cycle or similar vehicle.

7. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the means adapted to engage the side-stand of the motor-cycle or similar vehicle comprises a bracket-and-clamp assembly operatively associated with the lifting assembly.

8. A device according to Claim 7, in which the bracket-and-clamp 15 assembly is pivotally attached to the lifting assembly and is capable of *being moved through 3600 about the attachment point. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lifting assembly includes a threaded shaft operatively associated with the lifting column, whereby rotation of the threaded shaft about is longitudinal axis results in upward or downward movement of the lifting assembly relative to the lifting column. A device according to Claim 9, in which the threaded shaft is adapted to be rotated manually. :oooi

11. A device according to Claim 9, in which the threaded shaft is adapted to be rotated by means of a motor.

12. A lifting device, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.